Letter to Ministers from Canada’s business community regarding possible work stoppage at CP

Hon. Seamus O’Regan, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Labour
Email: seamus.oregan@parl.gc.ca

Hon. Omar Alghabra, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Transport
E-mail: TC.MinisterofTransport-MinistredesTransports.TC@tc.gc.ca

Hon. Francois-Philippe Champagne, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
E-mail: ministerofisi-ministredeisi@ised-isde.gc.ca

Hon. Mary Ng, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion,
Small Business and Economic Development
E-mail: mary.ng@international.gc.ca

Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Email: aafc.minister-ministre.aac@canada.ca

Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Natural Resources
E-mail: HonJonathan.Wilkinson@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

March 11, 2022

Dear Ministers:

Canadian businesses have suffered under the strain of constant disruptions over the last two years. The challenges they have had to overcome have included COVID-19, extreme weather events, increasing inflationary pressures, labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. Now achieving a successful recovery is threatened by the possibility of a work stoppage on the Canadian Pacific (CP) railway network.

Canada’s rail network is a key driver of economic growth for many of the country’s major industries. It is also crucial for exporting Canadian goods. Any disruption of this magnitude would create a freight capacity crisis that would have a profound impact on rail shippers throughout the broader Canadian economy.

Many Canadian businesses may soon face difficult decisions about their ability to continue operations. Additionally, the damage to Canadian supply chains would extend beyond our borders and harm our reputation as a reliable partner in international trade.

The Canadian economy and our supply chains need certainty. Prolonged uncertainty would have a deep and adverse impact for all Canadians who rely on the essential rail supply chain and for the broader Canadian economy.

We urge the federal government to do what is best for Canada’s economy and facilitate a negotiation between CP and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. While we support the right to collective bargaining, this issue requires the government’s full attention to preserve jobs and protect Canada’s economy.

Sincerely,

Alberta Chambers of Commerce
Association of Canadian Port Authorities
BC Chamber of Commerce
Business Council of Canada
Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters
Canadian Canola Growers Association
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Canadian Food Exporters Association
Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association
Canadian Meat Council
Canadian Society of Customs Brokers
Canadian Steel Producers Association
Canadian Toy Association
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association
Canola Council of Canada
Chamber of Marine Commerce
Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
Fertilizer Canada
FETCO
Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada
Food Producers of Canada
Forest Products Association of Canada
Freight Management Association of Canada
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
Institute of Canadian Agencies (ICA)
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Medtech Canada
Mining Association of Canada
Responsible Distribution Canada
Retail Council of Canada
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
Shipping Federation of Canada
Supply Chain Canada
The Greater Vancouver Gateway Council
Western Canadian Shippers’ Coalition
Western Retail Lumber Association
Wine Growers Canada